KGMCTA defers strike for a week following Kerala government assurances

The Kerala Government Medical College Teachers Association (KGMCTA) decided to temporarily suspend its ongoing boycott of outpatient (OP) clinics and academic activities for a week after discussions with the Additional Chief Secretary (Health) on Wednesday.

In a statement issued here, the KGMCTA said it has decided to postpone its agitation for a short time in view of assurances received from the government regarding payment of pending salary revision arrears and steps to improve standard of care in medical colleges.

Faculty members of the Faculty of Medicine also decided to postpone the temporary hunger strike for a week. They will rejoin OP clinics and continue their academic activities.

During talks initiated with the Additional Chief Secretary (Health) on the special instructions of Health Minister Veena George, the government agreed to pay the 18-month salary revision arrears immediately. Promised that debts for the remaining 39 months would be paid in line with legal advice

The Additional Chief Secretary (Health) is believed to have assured the doctors that since there is no legal impediment in paying the 18-month arrears, the Health Ministry will take the responsibility of clearing this arrears without delay.

KGMCTA said officials had earlier assured that steps would be taken for further post-production and quality improvement in hospitals. After doctors started agitating, the government created 44 posts of doctors in Kasaragod and Wayanad medical colleges.

The government had also corrected salary revision anomalies in medical education service entry cadre, which KGMCTA hoped would attract youth back to the service.

After discussions on Wednesday, the central executive committee of KGMCTA decided to suspend the strike to ensure that patients are not put in any further hardship even though the State is yet to issue a Government Order on repayment of salaries.